Questions and Answers
What are r-selected species known for?
What happens to r-selected species due to the lack of parental care?
Many offspring die at a young age.
What do r-selected species do to sustain their species?
Produce a large number of offspring.
What are examples of r-selected species?
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What do r-selected species tend to be?
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What does opportunistic mean?
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Are r-selected species regular?
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What are K-selected species known for?
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Where do K-selected species typically develop?
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What happens after birth for K-selected species?
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Where do K-selected species tend to be near?
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What are examples of carrying capacity?
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Is competition for resources in K-selected species habitats relatively high?
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Is competition for resources in R-selected species habitats relatively high?
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Do K-selected species live in disturbed environments?
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Do R-selected species live in disturbed environments?
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What is biotic potential?
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Do r-selected species tend to be generalists or specialists?
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Do K-selected species tend to be generalists or specialists?
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What should classifying species be thought of as?
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Explain why most invasive species are r-selected species.
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What is the result of having a high reproductive potential for r-selected species?
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Explain why K-selected species are typically more adversely affected by invasive species than r-selected species.
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Study Notes
r-selected Species
- Characterized by high rates of population growth.
- Feature short life spans and numerous small offspring with minimal to no parental care.
- Many offspring die young due to lack of nurturing.
- Sustain species by producing a large number of offspring.
- Notable examples include algae, bacteria, frogs, most insects, and many fish.
- Tend to be opportunistic, reproducing when conditions are favorable.
- Exhibit irregular population patterns.
- Generally classified as generalists, adapting to various environments.
- Invasive species, often r-selected, thrive due to high reproductive potential and quick maturation, easily colonizing new areas and competing with native species.
K-selected Species
- Typically reproduce later in life with fewer offspring, resulting in longer life spans.
- Offspring develop safely inside mothers and are born large.
- After birth, offspring mature slowly, receiving care and protection from one or both parents.
- Often found near carrying capacity, balancing population with resource availability.
- Examples include most mammals, elephants, whales, birds of prey, and long-lived plants.
- Experience high competition for resources within their habitats, reflecting their specialized nature.
- Classified as specialists, adapted to specific niches.
Comparison of r and K-selected Species
- r-selected species thrive in disturbed environments, whereas K-selected species do not.
- Competition for resources is relatively low for r-selected species but high for K-selected species.
- K-selected species are more adversely affected by invasives due to being specialists with low population growth rates, while r-selected species can switch resources, minimizing competition impacts.
- Classifying species should be viewed as a spectrum rather than strict categories.
Biotic Potential
- Refers to the maximum reproduction rate of a population under ideal conditions, influencing species' survival and adaptability.
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Description
This quiz explores the characteristics of r-selected and K-selected species, highlighting their reproductive strategies, life spans, and population dynamics. Learn about the adaptations that enable r-selected species to thrive in varying environments, as well as the nurturing tendencies of K-selected species. Test your knowledge on these fundamental ecological concepts.
